Bleach Bypass PRO
Bleach Bypass PRO simulates the traditional "bleach bypass" film technique which, in darkroom days, was a process that left out most of the bleaching stage of color film processing. As a consequence, a lot of the silver was left in the negative, together with the color dyes, creating an effect of a black-and-white image over a color one. Other characteristics are reduced saturation, increased contrast and significant graininess.
Bleach bypass has been used in many movies, making its first appearance in "Her Brother" (1960, Kon Ichikawa), and later in "Saving Private Ryan" (1998, Steven Spielberg). The reason for simulating it in digital form and publishing it as a separate plugin for stills photographers is because it gives a terrific visual effect: moody, gritty, but also flattering to its subjects.
Comment
Although a relatively simple piece of software, Bleach Bypass PRO produces a distinctive and compelling "look" that you can fine-tune with exposure, gamma, saturation, grain strength, grain size and effect strength controls.
For a gritty, urban look, Bleach Bypass PRO is hard to beat.
Tech info
- Plugs into: Photoshop and compatible editors
- OS: Windows XP onward
- Price level: Approx. $25
Red Paw Media
Jon Read's Red Paw Media has introduced several plugins for Adobe Photoshop, always highly praised by photographers. The plugins can be downloaded from several locations, including brothersoft.com.
From the same vendor:
- B&W Pro 2
- Beautifier
- GradFilter
- Process FX
- RPM Fog
- Technicolor-2
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